Wearing Cufflinks with Regular Shirt: Casual Sophistication

Cufflinks have long been a symbol of elegance and sophistication in men’s fashion.

These small accessories can elevate an ordinary dress shirt into a refined style statement.

But have you ever seen someone wearing cufflinks with regular shirt? 

This article will explore the world of cufflinks, examine the many shirts that mix well with them, and provide some helpful tips on how to wear cufflinks with them.

What Are Cufflinks?

Cufflinks are decorative fasteners used to secure the cuffs of dress shirts.

They typically consist of two parts: a decorative front face and a swivel or chain that connects to the back.

The front face of a cufflink can be made from various materials, such as precious metals, gemstones, and enamel, or even more unconventional materials like wood or fabric.

Coming in many varieties of designs, from traditional and understated to daring statement pieces, cufflinks allow men to express their individuality and add an element of flair to their attire.

What Shirts Can You Wear Cufflinks With?

Traditionally, cufflinks for men are worn with shirts that have French cuffs.

French cuffs are longer and folded back, creating a double-layered cuff that requires cufflinks to secure it.

These shirts are often reserved for formal or black-tie occasions, where elegance and sophistication are paramount.

However, cufflinks for men can also be worn with regular shirts that feature button cuffs.

Button cuffs, as the name suggests, have a button closure, but they usually have extra buttonholes that allow for the use of cufflinks.

Cufflinks may give a touch of luxury to your everyday wear, helping you to stand out and make a style statement.

How to Adjust a Regular Button Cuff Shirt to Wear Cufflinks

If you are planning on wearing cufflinks with regular shirt, there’s a simple adjustment you can make to ensure a proper fit.

By following these steps, you can modify your shirt to accommodate cufflinks:

1. Gather Your Materials: A seam ripper, scissors, a ruler or measuring tape, and matching thread and needle are all required.
2. Identify the Buttonhole Stitching: Look for any buttonhole stitching that prevents the cuff from fully opening. Typically, there will be a single row of stitching that stops the cuff from unbuttoning completely.
3. Remove the Stitching: Carefully use the seam ripper to remove the stitching that restricts the cuff’s opening. Insert the sharp end of the seam ripper under each stitch and gently lift it until the thread is cut. Continue this process until the entire row of stitching is removed.
4. Create Additional Buttonholes: Measure the distance between the existing buttonhole and the edge of the cuff. Use this measurement as a guide to create additional buttonholes on the inside of the cuff. Mark the desired locations for the new buttonholes using a fabric pen or chalk.
5. Cut the Buttonholes: Carefully cut small vertical slits at the marked locations with a pair of sharp scissors. The slits should be just wide enough to accommodate the cufflinks you intend to wear. Take your time and ensure the cuts are clean and even.
6. Secure the Edges: To prevent fraying, use a needle and thread to sew a few small stitches along the edges of each buttonhole. This will reinforce the fabric and make the buttonholes more durable over time. Choose a thread that matches the colour of the shirt for a seamless finish.
7. Test the Fit: Once you’ve made the necessary adjustments, button up the cuff and insert your cufflinks through the newly created buttonholes. Ensure that the cufflinks fit comfortably and securely without any strain on the fabric.

Illicium’s top tip: It’s always a good idea to practice on an old shirt or seek the assistance of a professional tailor if you’re unsure about making modifications yourself. This manner, you can ensure a great fit while also preserving the quality of your shirts.

Can You Wear Cufflinks Casually?

Cufflinks are commonly linked with formal dress, however they can also be used in more casual contexts.

You can add a touch of refinement and personality to your everyday clothes by wearing cufflinks with regular shirt.

Imagine wearing a pair of stylish cufflinks with a crisp white shirt and a well-fitted blazer.

This simple addition can elevate your entire look, making it more polished and refined.

When choosing cufflinks for casual wear, opt for designs that are more relaxed and versatile.

Consider cufflinks made from materials like stainless steel or leather, or ones featuring playful patterns or colourful accents (known as novelty cufflinks).

These choices will add a dose of personality to your outfit without appearing overly formal.

How to Start Wearing Cufflinks with Regular Shirt

Let’s look at how to wear cufflinks properly now that we’ve discussed how to do it with regular shirts. To add a sense of elegance to your everyday wear, use these simple tricks: 

1. Choosing the Right Cufflinks: Consider the cufflinks’ colour, style, and substance as well as how well they go with your own sense of style. For a more formal look, opt for classic metal cufflinks in silver or gold tones. Experiment with cufflinks featuring unique patterns or unconventional materials if you’re going for a casual or creative look.
2. Preparing the Shirt: Ensure that your regular dress shirt is clean and well-ironed. It’s important to have a crisp and polished base for your cufflinks to shine.
3. Aligning the Cuff Holes: In regular shirts that allow for cufflinks, you’ll typically find two buttonholes on each cuff. Align the buttonholes by overlapping the edges of the cuffs, making sure they match up precisely.
4. Inserting the Cufflink: Take one cufflink and insert the decorative face through the aligned buttonholes from the outside of the cuff. The swivel or chain should hang down on the inside of the cuff.
5. Securing the Cufflink: Once the cufflink’s decorative face is through the buttonholes, gently rotate or flip the swivel or chain to secure the cufflink in place. This will prevent it from slipping out and ensure a snug fit.
6. Repeating the Process: Repeat the same process with the other cufflink, ensuring that both cufflinks are aligned and securely fastened.
7. Symmetry: Looking in the mirror from a distance will help you check for symmetry. Check that both cufflinks are symmetrically placed and at an equal distance from the edge of the cuff. Adjust if necessary to achieve a balanced and polished look.
8. Styling Tips: To showcase your cufflinks, consider rolling up your jacket sleeves slightly or opting for a blazer or suit jacket with shorter sleeves. This way, the cufflinks will peek out elegantly, drawing attention to their unique design and adding that extra touch of sophistication to your ensemble.

Remember, wearing cufflinks with regular shirt is an art that takes practice. Experiment with various cufflink designs and shirt combinations to find the ideal balance of style and personality.

Conclusion

Wearing cufflinks with regular shirt may boost your look, whether going to a formal event or just wanting to add elegance to your everyday look.

With various cufflink designs and the option to wear them with French cuff and button cuff shirts, you have the freedom to express your style and make a fashion statement.

You may master the art of wearing cufflinks with regular shirt and add a touch of polished refinement to your wardrobe by following the instructions provided in this article.